Circulating means for enclosed liquid-vapor systems



1964 w. H. ESSELMAN ETAL 3,154,140

CIRCULATING MEANS FOR ENCLOSED LIQUID-VAPOR SYSTEMS 2 Sheets-Sheet '1Filed Aug. 14, 1959 Exchange d n O n m0 Nm Wm WE H r e H O W Walter G.Rorn'on WITNESSES RNEY Oct. 27, 1964 CIRCULATING Filed Aug. 14, 1959 w.H. ESSELMAN ETAL 3,154,140 MEANS FOR ENCLOSED LIQUID-VAPOR SYSTEMS 2Sheets-Sheet 2 90 H I08 '-l-' g? 82\ .Heut Exchange 46 22 Means Fig. 3

3,154,140 (ZHRCULATING MEANS FQR ENQM'ESED LIQUIDNAPQR SYTEIVES WalterH. Esseiman and Walter G. Roman, Pittsburgh, Pa", assignors toWestinghouse Electric Corporation, East Pittsburgh, Pa, a corporation ofPennsylvania Filed Aug. 14, 1959, Ser. No. 833,885 14 Ciaims. (Cl.165-106) The present invention relates generally to a new and improvedcirculating means for enclosed recirculating liquid-vapor systems and ismore particularly directed to the use of vapor jet pumps as thecirculating means.

Still more particularly, the present invention contemplates the use ofvapor jet pumps for causing the circulation of a liquid in a recyclingsystem which may be at extremely high pressures and temperatures.

Present systems wherein a liquid is to be circulated contemplate the useof conventional pumps for producing the motive means for the liquids. Insystems wherein high pressures and high temperatures are encountered,these electric pumps must be constructed to withstand the systemconditions. In totally enclosed systems which operate under highpressures and high temperatures wherein highly corrosive liquids areutilized, it has been found necessary to select liquid circulating meanswhich can withstand not only these system conditions but in addition,the corrosive effects of the liquid. In many applications, it has beenfound that it is necessary to provide a leak-tight system inasmuch asthe escape of certain liquids would be quite hazardous. Liquidcirculating means have been developed in the past to motivate liquids insuch systems and normally comprise the use of a totally enclosed orcanned pump wherein a leak-tight enclosure separates the rotor of thepump from the stator. Of course, the use of a canned motor pump requirescertain moving parts to be located in the liquid system which parts aresubjected to the high temperatures and pressures of the system as wellas the corrosive effects of the liquid. In addition, a great deal ofditficulty has been encountered in providing means for lubricatingbearings and the like which are required in such pumps. Thus, it may beseen that the use of a canned motor pump for circulating corrosiveliquids results in a system wherein failure of the moving parts of thepump creates a difiicult maintenance problem in that personnel may beexposed to hazardous materials and a lengthy shut-down of the system maybe required.

The present invention contemplates the use of a single or a number ofvapor jet pumps located in the liquidvapor system for providingcirculating means for the liquid. Our invention contemplates the use ofvapor jet pumps in high pressure, high temperature systems wherein acorrosive liquid may be located. The use of vapor jet pumps in thisapplication eliminates the disadvantages of previously-employedcirculating means inasmuch as a vapor jet pump includes no moving parts,whereby maintenance problems for the pumps are substantially eliminated.Vapor jet pumps have been found to be of simple and rugged constructionand can be produced at substantially reduced costs when compared to thecosts of canned motor pumps or other specialized pumps.

Another aspect of the present invention contemplates the location of thevapor jet pumps entirely within the closed liquid system so that forpressurized systems, the vapor jet pump sees only the system pressure,and the pressure difference of the pump head, rather than a dilferentialbetween system and atmosphere pressure across the pump casing.

Another feature of the invention contemplates the 3,1541% Patented Get.27, 1964 use of a plurality of vapor jet pumps connected in parallel toprovide greater flow in response to system requirements. In furtheranceof this purpose, a pair of interfitting or coaxial vessels may beprovided with the incoming liquid flowing from the top of the outervessel through the annular space between the vessels to the bottom ofthe outer vessel and then upwardly into the inner vessel whereupon theliquid encounters heating means which provides substantial heat to boila portion of the liquid. The vapor produced by such boiling may beseparated from the heated liquid and is preferably transmitted to theupper region of the inner vessel with the heated liquid beingremoved'from the inner vessel at a point lower than the liquid level sothat'the fluid is passed to a suitable heat sink. Nozzles for the vaporjet pumps are provided in the upper region of the inner vessel andextend outwardly from the side walls of the inner vessel into theannular space between the vessels. Thus, these nozzles are supplied withthe vapor which is located in the upper region of the inner vessel andjet pumping action is provided by the nozzles in the annular regionbetween the vessels.

Accordingly, it is one object of this invention to provide a new andimproved liquid circulating means for totally enclosed liquid-vaporsystems.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved liquidcirculating means for totally enclosed recycling systems which operateunder high temperature and pressures.

A further object of this invention is to provide a totally' enclosedrecycling flow system for a liquid-vapor medium having a vapor jet pumplocated thereinfor circulating the liquid.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a new and improvedtotally enclosed flow system for a liquid-vapor medium having aplurality'of parallelly connected vapor jet pumps for circulating theliquid.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improvedliquid-vapor flow system capable of operating at high pressures andtemperatures with the liquid being of a corrosive nature and having avapor jet pump located completely within the system to circulate theliquid.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a new and improvedtotally enclosed recycling flow system for a corrosive vapor-liquidmedium having a vapor jet pump located entirely within the system forcirculating the liquid therethrough so that the pump is not subjected toa high pressure differential thereacross.

These and other objects of this invention will become more readilyapparent upon review of the following detailed descriptions ofillustrative embodiments of this invention wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a schematic flow circuit of a totally enclosed systemincorporating this invention and having portions thereof shown insection for clarity;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the vessels shown in FIG. 1 and takenalong the lines II-II of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic flow diagram of another embodiment of thisinvention and having portions thereof shown in section to clearlyillustrate the operation of the invention.

Viewing the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 the invention as utilizedwith the apparatus is located in a completely sealed system which ispreferably operated at a pressure greater than atmospheric. The sealedsystem is denoted generally by the reference character 10 and includesan enlarged pressure vessel 12 formed from a suitable material havingstrength characteristics capable of withstanding the system pressure,such as steel. The vessel 127 is provided with an inlet 14 which extendsinto the vessel 12 from the upper surface thereof. An inverted cupshaped inner vessel 16 is concentrically located within the vessel 12and is supported therein by suitable means (not shown). The upper end ofthe inner vessel 16 is enclosed by a barrier or cover 18 with the lowerend of the inner vessel 16 being opened. A sealed chamber 20 is providedin the inner vessel 16 and is formed therein by a pair of baflfle plates22 and 24 which are secured to the side walls of the inner vessel 16 bysuitable means, such as by welding. A plurality of flow tubes 26 extendthrough the chamber 20 and are secured to the balfles 22 and 24 byconventional means such as by welding. An inlet 28 is provided for thechamber 20 with the inlet comprising a suitable flow conduit extendingthrough the side wall of the outer vessel 12 and being secured to anopening 30 of the inner vessel 16 adjacent the periphery of the opening30. Similarly, outlet means 32 are provided for the chamber 20 with theoulet means 32 being secured to the inner vessel 16 along the peripheryof an opening 34 therein. The outlet means 32 in addition extendsthrough the side wall of the outer vessel 12 with a hermetic seal beingformed between the vessel 12 and the outlet means 32 by suitable means,for example by welding at 36.

In this example of the invention, the chamber 20 and the inlet andoutlet 28 and 32, respectively, are provided so that they are completelysealed from the remainder of the flow system. The chamber 20 is adaptedto be utilized as a heat exchange means whereby a heated means, such asa liquid or vapor, may be passed therethrough. In the present embodimentof this invention, it is contemplated that hot combustion gases willenter the chamber 20 through the inlet 28 as indicated by the flowarrows 38. The gases will then circulate throughout the chamber 20 andwill be located in heat exchange relation with the flow tubes 26 whichpass through the chamber 20. Thus, any liquid flowing through the tubes26 will absorb a portion of the heat of the combustion gases. Thecombustion gases exit from the chamber 20 through the outlet means 32 asindicated by the flow arrows 40. Suitable means such as a pump (notshown), may be utilized to ensure the continuous flow of combustiongases through the chamber 20. Inasmuch as the chamber 20 is sealed fromthe remainder of the flow system, it is to be noted that none of thecombustion gases will leak into the main system. Furthermore, suchsealing contemplates the heat exchange fluids to be at differentpressures inasmuch as the pressure in the chamber 20 may differsubstantially from the pressure in the remainder of the sys tem.Obviously, any heating means well known in the art may be substitutedfor the heating means illustrated in this embodiment of the invention.

As described herein the flow system 10 is contemplated to comprise apartially boiling liquid system wherein any suitable liquid is propelledtherethrough in the manner hereinafter described with a portion of theliquid being transformed to the vapor state. Thus, the liquid enters thevessel 12 through the inlet 14 and is passed through the annular space42 formed between the outer vessel 12 and the inner vessel 16. Theliquid flows downwardly through the annular space 42 and then flowsupwardly through the heat exchange tubes 26 whereby the liquid is placedin heat exchange relation with the combustion gases located in thechamber 20. The heat exchange system is formed so that a portion of theliquid is boiled as it passes through the tubes 26 with the remainder ofthe liquids being substantially elevated in temperature. At the upperend of the tubes 26 there is provided a collection chamber 44 which isdefined by the upper bafile plate 22 and an inwardly extending annularbaffle 46. The baffle 46 is provided at its upper end with an opening 48which leads to a separating chamber 50. The separating chamber 50 isdefined at its lower end by the baffle 46 and at' its upper end by awall 52. A suitable vapor-liquid separator 54 is located in theseparating chamber 50 and may be formed as any conventional structurewell known in the art. In this embodiment of the invention, theseparator 54 is shown to comprise a separating plate 56 having aplurality of openings 58 extending therethrough. A portion of theseparator 54 includes a lower vane structure 60 disposed in the opening48 of the barrier 46 and secured to the baffle plate 54 by a shaft 62.The vane structure 60 is designed to impart a whirling motion on theliquid-vapor flowing therepast. Thus, the vane structure 60 includes aplurality of aligned, outwardly extending arcuate projections 64 locatedon the side surface of the vane structure 60. An annular ring 66 extendsoutwardly from the underside of the separating plate 56 and cooperatestherewith to ensure that liquid being separated from the liquid-vaporpassing through the separator will be deposited in the annular space 68formed by the baflle 46 and the inner side wall of the inner vessel 16.The separator, in addition, includes an upper vapor drying structurenoted generally by the referencecharacter 70 which may comprise aplurality of spokes 72 secured at one end to the baffle 56 and extendingradially outwardly therefrom to additionally cooperate to separate theliquid and vapor. The vapor drying structure 70 in addition includes aplurality of chevrons 73 which are located in the path of vapor flow toreduce the moisture content of the vapor, in a manner Well known in theart. It is to be noted, of course, that the separating means shown inthis embodiment of the invention is exemplary and does not form a partof this invention. Thus, any suitable separating means may be utilizedto attain the results created by the structure shown in the drawings.

It may be noted that the inner vessel 16 contains in the space 44defined by the upper plate 22 and the battle 46 is a liquid-vapormixture. In the region of the inner vessel 16 defined by the plate 52the battle 46 and the inner side wall of the vessel 16, there iscontained a vapor-liquid mixture wherein the vapor and liquid arepartially separated so that a liquid level is provided in the annularspace 68 defined by the barrier 46 and the inner side wall of the innervessel 16. Above the liquid level in the aforementioned space there isprovided substantially all vapor wherein any liquid contained therein isremoved by the separating means 70 located therein. The chamber 74defined by the cover 18 of the inner vessel 16 and the baflle plate 52encloses only dry vapor, which vapor is utilized to circulate the liquidin the system by means of the vapor jet pumps 76 presently to bedescribed. In order to limit the condensation of the dry vapor locatedin the vapor chamber 74 caused by the proximity of the relatively coolincoming liquid from the inlet 14, there is provided insulating meansdenoted generally by the reference character 78 located on the inwardside of the dome 18. The insulation 78 may comprise any well-knowninsulating means and may, for example, comprise an enclosed spacecontaining a suitable gas having a low heat transfer coefficient orcontaining low heat transfer coeflicients such as are well known in theart. In FIG. 1, the insulating means 78 is generally depicted as athermal barrier having an inert air space defined by the cover 18 and byan enlarged plate 88 secured to the inner vessel 16 by suitable means,such for example, as by welding.

The annular space 68 containing the liquid is provided with an outletfluid transfer means 82 secured to an opening (not shown) in the innervessel 16 and passing through the annular space defined by the innervessel 16 and outer vessel 12 and through an opening (not shown) in theouter vessel 12 in a leak-tight manner, for example by welding at 84.The fluid transfer means 82 connects the annular region 68 with asuitable heat exchange means denoted generally by the referencecharacter 86 which does not form a part of this invention and maycomprise many suitable structures well known in the art. A conduit 88connects the outlet of the heat exchange means to the inlet 14 of theouter vessel 12. Thus, the liquid located in the region 6% of the innervessel 16 is transported by the conduit 82 to the heat exchange means 86or heat sink whereby it is placed in heat exchange relation with asuitable energy absorbing device which may enter the heat exchange means86 through the conduit 90 and exit therefrom through the conduit 92.

It is to be note that the heat exchange means $6 when utilized with theinstant invention is formed so that the integrity of the pressurizedrecycling closed loop is not destroyed. Thus, the heat exchange means 86isolates the fluid transported thereto by the conduit 82 from theexternal coolant or heat removal means which enters the heat exchangemeans 86 through the conduit 99. This may be accomplished by means wellknown in the art, such as by the utilization of a plurality of tubesthrough which the liquid flowing through the conduit $2 is passed. Thetubes (not shown) may be coupled to the conduits 82 and 88 in aleak-tight manner so that the liquid in the recycling system ismaintained at system pressure. The isolation means or tubes are locatedin heat exchange relationship with the coolant which enters the heatexchange means 86 through the conduit 90. In this way heat may beremoved from the liquid flowing through the conduit 32 without aiiectingthe integrity of the recycling pressurized system.

A conduit 88 is provided to couple the outlet of the heat exchange means36 to the inlet 14 of the vessel 12. Thus, the liquid flowing throughthe conduit 82 passes through the heat exchange means 86 and exitstherefrom through the conduit 88 to be recirculated to the vessel 12through the inlet 14 thereof.

In the annular region defined by the outer vessel 12 and inner vessel 16and adjacent the vapor nozzles 76, there is provided a difluserstructure denoted generally by the reference character 94. The diffuserstructure 94-, in this example of the invention, includes an annularplate 96 disposed horizontally in the annular space 42 and is providedwith a plurality of openings 98 therethrough, in this embodiment of theinvention the number being six. Adjacent each of the openings 98 in theplate 96 there is provided a combined water nozzle and diffuser 1% whichhas an arcuate cross section so that it conforms in shape substantiallyto a pair of opposed frustoconical portions with their longitudinal axesbeing aligned and in the vertical direction. Each of these diffuserportions 160 may be formed from a thin walled member secured at itsupper edge to the plate 96 by suitable means, such as by welding. Thediffuser members 1% are preferably formed from a material havingsuflicient structural strength to withstand deformation when subjectedto system pressures and system flow requirements. Each of the vapornozzles 76 is provided at its outward end with a hollow frustoconicalsection 102 with its narrow end being located within the upperfrustoconical portion 194 of the diffuser 1%. It is to be noted that thefrustoconical portion 1'32. is correspondingly smaller in diameter thanthe upper frustoconical section 104 of the diffuser 1%. Thefrustoconical portions W2 and 164 define an annular space 107therebetween which forms a liquid nozzle for the vapor jet pumpcombination. The lower frustoconical portion 1% of the diffuser lh-i)defines a region for the vapor jet pump. It is to be noted that each ofthe vapor jet pumps 76 is located in the path of flow of the inletliquid for the pressure vessel 12. Thus, all of the inlet liquid mustpass through the liquid nozzles 1% wherein the liquid is subjected tothe vapor exiting from the vapor nozzle 76. As well known in the art, ajet pumping action is imparted to the liquid passing through the liquidnozzle 307 wherein the flow of liquid therepast is substantiallyincreased. It is to be noted that the particular shape and sizings ofthe vapor nozzle '76, the liquid nozzle 1% and the diffuser portion 106is directly dependent upon the particular parameters of any given fluidflow system. Once the flow parameters of the system have been determinedit is within the scope of those skilled in the art to determine thesizings and shapes of the aforementioned elements.

The operation of the recycling system 10 is as follows. The entiresystem lit is filled with a desired working liquid and the heating meansis passed through the inlet 28 into the heat exchange chamber 20 asindicated by the flow arrows 38. The liquid located in the flow tubes 26is in heat transfer relation with the heating means and is increased intemperature thereby. The heating means maintains heat transfer relationwith the liquid for a period of time depending upon the flow rate in theheat transfer system whereby the heating means exits therefrom throughthe conduit 32 as indicated by the flow arrows ill. During this time, ofcourse, additional heat is imparted to the liquid through continuoussubjection of the liquid to additional heating means of gases. While thesystem liquid is being initially heated up, it is to be noted that theliquid located in the tubes 26 is at a higher temperature than theliquid located in the remaining portions of the system. The liquidlocated in the heat exchange means or heat sink 86 is at the lowesttemperature so that natural circulation of the system liquid is createdand initial flow of the system liquid occurs. The flow path for suchcirculation commences with the tubes 26 into the chamber 44 into theannular space 68 through conduit 82, heat exchange means 86, conduit 88,inlet 14, annular space 42 and then into the tubes 26.

While initially some flow may exist in the circuit defined by the tubes26, chamber 44, chamber 74, nozzles 76, annular space 42 and tubes 25,it is to be noted that this flow will continue only until the liquid inthe entire pressure vessel 12 is approximately at the same temperature.From that point, it is to be noted that heat must be removed from theliquid by suitable external means, which means may only comprise theheat sink 86 so that eventually the initially mentioned flow path Willresult. As the liquid continues to be heated some vapor will be formedthereby which vapor will be collected in the vapor chamber 74 adjacentthe top of the inner Vessel 16. The vapor level in the chamber 74 willdecrease the liquid level in the chamber 74 until the lower end of thesteam nozzle 76 is above the liquid level. Depending upon the flow rateof the vapor through the nozzle 76, the liquid level will be lower untilit reaches a suitable stable point such as the level 108.

When the liquid level in the inner vessel 16 is below the lower end ofthe nozzle 76, vapor will initially fiow through the nozzle 7 6 into thediffuser structure 94. Since all of the vapor nozzles 76 are connectedin parallel and are located at the same level, it is expected that eachof the vapor nozzles will impart vapor to the difiuser94 at the sametime. In order to ensure start-up of each of the vapor jet pumps at thesame time, means are provided to ensure that the pressure differentialbetween each nozzle 76 and its corresponding diffuser structure 94 isthe same. In furtherance of this purpose, each diffuser struc ture 94 isconnected to the adjacent diffuser structures by fluid conduit means,such as piping 110. In this manner the possibility of start-up of one ofthe vapor jet pumps '75 without start-up of the remainder of the jetpumps 76 and resulting in backflow through the remaining nozzles 76 isprevented.

It is to be noted that the pumping action created by each of the vaporjet pumps 76 is dependent upon the temperature differential between thevapor and the liquid flowing therepast. Thus, each vapor jet pump 76 islocated in the inlet stream of the pressure vessel 12 to ensure thatrelatively cool liquid flows therepast. While a vapor jet pump may belocated in the outlet stream adjacent the conduit 82, it is to be notedthat the flow imparted to the liquid would be substantially reducedsince the liquid in the conduit 82 is at a temperature higher than theinlet liquid.

It is to be noted, in addition, that the present system contemplatesthat a positive pressure diiferetial exists initially between the vaporlocated in the chamber 74 and the inlet liquid, so that each of thevapor jet pumps will properly start up. The present invention will alsooperate under conditions wherein all of the liquid passing through theflow tubes 26 is boiled, provided, of course, that at least a portion ofthis liquid is condensed in the heat exchange means 86 so that thenozzles 76 are exposed to an exterior portion of the liquid at a lowertemperature than that of the vapor located in the nozzles 76. It is tobe noted that vapor jet pumps are rather inefiicient; but that any heatlosses are imparted to the inlet liquid for the pressure vessel 12 whichlosses serve to heat this liquid and thereby aid the heat exchange meanslocated in the chamber 20. Each of the diffuser structures 94 is formedfrom relatively thin generally venturi-shaped members which are cooledby the inlet coolant for the vessel 12. The placing of the vapor jetpump entirely within the system minimizes maintenance thereof since thepump is exposed only to system pressure and need not be constructed towithstand large pressure differentials so that the possibility offailure of a pump is decreased.

Referring now to the embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 3, itwill be noted that like parts of each embodiment will be denoted by thesame reference characters. In this embodiment of the invention, thevapor jet pump nozzle is not located within the outer pressure vessel12, but rather is located on the cold side of the heat exchange means86. In this embodiment of the invention, an enclosed pressure vessel 112is provided with a heat source which may comprise upper and lower baffieplates 22 and 24, respectively, having flow tubes 26 extendingtherebetween and therethrough to define a heat exchange chamber thereby.The heat source is provided with a suitable inlet 28 and an outlet 32wherein heat transfer means, such as heated combustion gases enter andexit from the chamber 20. An annular bafile plate 46 is provided withinthe vessel 112 above the upper plate 32 to define a chamber 44 thereby.The vessel 112 includes in addition a liquid-vapor separator 54 and avapor chamber 74 adjacent the top of the vessel 112. The heat exchangemeans or heat sink 86 is coupled to the vessel 112 by a conduit 82 andincludes an inlet conduit 90 and an outlet conduit 92 which permits asuitable energy absorbing device to enter and exit from the heatexchange means 86.

The system liquid exits from the heat exchange means 86 through aconduit 114 which lead to an enlarged liquid plenum chamber 116. Theplenum chamber 116 is coupled to an inlet 113 for the pressure vessel112 by fluid transfer means 120. A diffuser structure denoted generallyby the reference character 122 is located between the plenum chamber 116and the conduit 120 and is shaped similarly to the diffuser structure 94of the first embodiment of this invention. The vapor chamber 74- iscoupled through the plenum chamber 116 to a vapor nozzle 124 by a vaporcarrying conduit 126. The nozzle 124 is located adjacent the diffuserstructure 122 in the manner described heretofore to provide a liquidnozzle or annular space 128 between the vapor nozzle 124 and thediifuser structure 122. In this embodiment of the invention the diffuserstructure 122 may comprise an inwardly extending annular cylindricalmember being arcuate in cross section to provide an elongated throat orwater nozzle in the upward portion thereof and a diffuser of expansionportion along the lower portion thereof. It is contemplated that thediffuser structure 122 is spaced from the adjacent portions of theconduit 120 so that a dead space 130 is provided therebetween toinsulate the diffuser structure from the exterior whereby the latter maybe cooled by the liquid flowing therepast.

It is to be noted that the lower edge of the nozzle 124 is designed tobe located at an elevation higher than the liquid level 108 in thepressure vessel 112 so that vapor may be transmitted thereto for jetpumping action. In addition, it is to be noted that the vapor jet pumpis lo cated on the cold side of the heat exchange means 86 so that thegreatest possible temperature dilferential exists between the vapor atthe vapor jet pump and the liquid flowing therepast. In this embodimentof the invention, it is to be noted that a single vapor jet pump isutilized so that start-up problems therefor are eliminated.

Having now described an operative embodiment of the instant invention,we note that a great number of modifications may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the broad spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly,it is specifically intended that the aforesaid descriptions of operativeembodiments of the invention be interpreted in an illustrative ratherthan in a limiting sense.

We claim as our invention:

1. In a closed recycling pressurized system, the combination comprisinga pressure vessel having an inlet flow path means and an outlet flowpath means, a liquid flowing through said pressure vessel, heat exchangemeans located in said pressure vessel between said inlet and said outletflow path means for heating incoming liquid and causing at least aportion of said liquid to boil, said pressure vessel including a chambertherein communicating with the outlet side of said heat exchange meansfor accommodating the vaporized portion of said liquid, a vapor jet pumplocated in said inlet flow path means for said pressure vesssel forenhancing the fiow of liquid in said inlet flow path means toward saidheat exchange means, and means for coupling the vapor nozzle of saidvapor jet pump to said chamber for providing vapor to said nozzle.

2. In a closed recycling pressurized system, the combination comprisinga pressure vessel having an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit, aliquid flowing through said pressure vessel from said inlet conduit tosaid outlet conduit, heating means having an inlet side and an outletside and located in said pressure vessel for heating said liquid andcausing at least a portion of said liquid to boil, said inlet side ofsaid heating means communicating directly with said inlet conduit, saidpressure vessel including a chamber therein for accommodating thevaporized portion of said liquid, said outlet conduit being coupled tosaid inlet conduit through a heat Sink means whereby heat is removedfrom said liquid, a vapor jet pump disposed in said inlet conduitbetween said heat sink and said heating means, and another conduit meanscoupling said chamber to the vapor nozzle of said vapor jet pump forproviding vapor to said nozzle, so that said vapor jet pump enhances theflow through said inlet flow path means.

3. In a closed recycling system containing a liquid therein, thecombination comprising a heat source and a heat sink located in saidsystem and each having an inlet and an outlet, conduit means couplingthe inlet of said source to the outlet of said sink and coupling theinlet of said sink to the outlet of said liquid to form a recycling flowpath for said liquid whereby said liquid is heated by said heat sourceand cooled by said heat sink, said heat Source being formed to impartsufficient heat to said liquid to boil at least a portion thereof, saidsystem including a chamber for accommodating the vaporized portion ofsaid liquid, said system having a portion thereof normally at atemperature lower than the temperature of the remainder of said system,a vapor jet pump located in said system at said low temperature portionthereof for imparting motion to said liquid for circulating the latterthroughout said system, and another conduit means coupling said chamberto the vapor nozzle of said vapor jet pump to provide vapor for saidnozzle.

4. In a closed recycling system containing a liquid therein, thecombination comprising, a vessel containing a heat source, a heat sink,conduit means coupled between said vessel and said heat sink to form arecycling flow path between said heat source and said heat sink wherebysaid liquid is heated by said heat source and cooled by said heat sink,said heat source being formed to impart sufficient heat to said liquidto boil at least a portion thereof, said vessel including a chamber foraccommodating the vaporized portion of said liquid, a vapor jet pumplocated entirely Within said vessel for circulating said liquidtherethrough, and another conduit means disposed entirely in said vesselcoupling said chamber to the vapor nozzle of said vapor jet pump.

5. A sealed recycling flow system for a liquid medium comprising asealed vessel having an inlet and an outlet conduit, annular Wall meanslocated within said vessel and spaced therefrom to define an annularspace therebetween, a heat source located within said wall means capableof imparting sufiicient heat to said liquid for boiling at least aportion thereof, said wall means in addition defining a vapor chamberdisposed to collect the vapor formed from said liquid, said outletconduit being coupled to said wall means and located between said heatsource and said vapor chamber, conduit means coupling said outletconduit to a heat sink whereby the heated liquid is transported to saidheat sink, said inlet conduit being coupled to said annular spacewhereby liquid entering said vessel from said inlet conduit flowsthrough said annular space, additional conduit means coupling the outletof said heat sink to said inlet conduit, a vapor jet pump located insaid annular space adjacent said inlet conduit, and the vapor nozzle ofsaid vapor jet pump being coupled directly to said vapor chamber.

6. A sealed recycling flow system for a liquid medium comprising asealed vessel having an inlet and an outlet conduit, annular wall meanslocated within said vessel and spaced therefrom to define an annularspace therebetween, a heat source located within said wall means capableof imparting sufficient heat to said liquid for boiling at least aportion thereof, said wall means in addition defining a vapor chamberdisposed to collect the vapor formed from said liquid, separating meansdisposed within said wall means between said vapor chamber and said heatsource for separating at least a portion of said vapor from said liquid,said outlet conduit communicating with the interior of said wall meansat a position between said heat source and said vapor chamber, conduitmeans coupling said outlet conduit to a heat sink whereby the heatedliquid is transported to said heat sink, said inlet conduitcommunicating with said annular space whereby liquid entering saidvessel from said inlet conduit flows through said annular space,additional conduit means coupling the outlet of said heat sink to saidinlet conduit, a vapor jet pump located in said annular space betweensaid inlet conduit and said heat source, and the vapor nozzle of saidvapor jet pump being coupled directly to said vapor chamber.

7. A sealed recycling flow system for a liquid medium comprising asealed vessel having an inlet and an outlet conduit, annular wall meanslocated within said vessel and spaced therefrom to define an annularspace therebetween, a heat source located within said wall means capableof imparting sufficient heat to said liquid for boiling at least aportion thereof, said wall means in addition defining a vapor chamberdisposed to collect the vapor formed from said liquid, said outletconduit communicating with the interior of said wall means at a positionbetween said heat source and said vapor chamber, conduit means couplingto said outlet conduit to a heat sink whereby the heated liquid istransported to said heat sink, said inlet communicating with saidannular space whereby liquid entering said vessel from said inletconduit flows through said annular space, additional conduit meanscoupling the outlet of said heat sink to said inlet conduit, a pluralityof vapor jet pumps located in said annular space and disposed betweensaid inlet conduit and said heat source, and means coupling the vapornozzles of each of said vapor jet pumps to said vapor chamber.

8. A sealed recycling flow system for a liquid medium comprising asealed vessel having an inlet and an outlet conduit, annular wall meanslocated within said vessel and spaced therefrom to define an annularspace there between, a heat source located within said wall meanscapable of imparting sufficient heat to said liquidfor boiling at leasta portion thereof, said wall means in addition defining a vapor chamberdisposed to collect the vapor formed from said liquid, said outletconduit communicating with the interior of said wall means at a positionbetween said heat source and said vapor chamber, conduit means couplingsaid outlet conduit to a heat sink whereby the heated liquid istransported to said heat sink, said inlet conduit communicating withsaid annular space whereby liquid entering said vessel from said inletconduit flows through said annular space, additional conduit meanscoupling the outlet of said heat sink to said inlet conduit, an annularring structure disposed in said annular space between said inlet conduitand said heat source and engaging the inner surface of said vessel andsaid wall means, said ring structure having a plurality of openingstherethrough, a dilfuser structure mounted in said annular spaceadjacent each of said openings respectively, a vapor nozzle disposed insaid annular space adjacent each of said diffuser structures, and eachof said vapor nozzles being coupled directly to said vapor chamber.

9. A sealed recycling fiow system for a liquid medium comprising asealed vessel having an inlet and an outlet conduit, annular wall meanslocated within said vessel and spaced therefrom to define an annularspace therebetween, a heat source located within said wall means capableof imparting sufficient heat to said liquid for boiling at least aportion thereof, said wall means in addition defining a vapor chamberdisposed to collect the vapor formed from said liquid, said outletconduit communicating with the interior of said wall means at a positionbetween said heat source and said vapor chamber, conduit means couplingsaid outlet conduit to a heat sink whereby the heated liquid istransported to said heat sink, said inlet conduit communicating withsaid annular space whereby liquid entering said vessel from said inletconduit flows through said annular space, additional conduit meanscoupling the outlet of said heat sink to said inlet conduit, an annularring structure disposed in said annular space between said inlet conduitand said heat source and engaging the inner surface of said vessel andsaid wall means, said ring structure having a plurality ofopeningstherethrough, a diffuser structure mounted in said annular spaceadjacent each of said openings respectively, a vapor nozzle disposed insaid annular space adjacent each of said diffuser structures, each ofsaid vapor nozzles being coupled directly to said vapor chamber, andpressure equalizing means serially connected between each of saiddifiuser structures.

10. A sealed recycling flow system for a liquid medium comprising asealed vessel having an inlet and an outlet conduit, annular wall meanslocated within said vessel and spaced therefrom to define an annularspace therebetween, a heat source located within said wall means capableif imparting sufiicient heat to said liquid for boiling at least aportion thereof, said wall means in addition defining a vapor chamberdisposed to collect the vapor formed from said liquid, separating meansdisposed within said wall means between said vapor chamber and said heatsource for separating at least a portion of said vapor from said liquid,said outlet conduit communicating with the interior of said wall meansat a position between said heat source and said vapor chamber, conduitmeans coupling said outlet conduit to a heat sink whereby the heatedliquid is transported to said heat sink, said inlet conduit beingcoupled to said annular space whereby liquid entering said vessel fromsaid inlet conduit flows through said annular space, additional conduitmeans coupling the outlet of said heat sink to said inlet conduit, aplurality of vapor jet pumps located in said annular space and disposedbetween said inlet conduit and said heat source,

1 1 and means coupling the vapor nozzles of each of said vapor jet pumpsto said vapor chamber.

11. A sealed recycling flow system for a liquid medium comprising asealed vessel having an inlet and an outlet conduit, annular wall meanslocated within said vessel and spaced therefrom to define an annularspace therebetween, a heat source located within said wall means capableof imparting sufficient heat to said liquid for boiling at least aportion thereof, said wall means in addition defining a vapor chamberdisposed to collect the vapor formed from said liquid, separating meansdisposed within said wall means between said vapor chamber and said heatsource for separating at least a portion of said vapor from said liquid,said outlet conduit communicating with the interior of said wall meansat a position between said heat source and said vapor chamber, conduitmeans coupling said outlet conduit to a heat sink whereby the heatedliquid is transported to said heat sink, said inlet conduit beingcoupled to said annular space whereby liquid entering said vessel fromsaid inlet conduit flows through said annular space, additional conduitmeans coupling the outlet of said heat sink to said inlet conduit, anannular ring structure disposed in said annular space between said inletconduit and said heat source and engaging the inner surface of saidvessel and said wall means, said ring structure having a plurality ofopenings therethrough, a diffuser structure mounted in said annularspace adjacent each of said openings respectively, a vapor nozzledisposed in said annular space adjacent each of said diffuserstructures, and each of said vapor nozzles being coupled directly tosaid vapor chamber.

12. A sealed recycling flow system for a liquid medium comprising asealed vessel having an inlet and an outlet conduit, annular wall meanslocated within said vessel and spaced therefrom to define an annularspace therebetween, a heat source located within said wall means capableof imparting sufiicient heat to said liquid for boiling at least aportion thereof, said wall means in addition defining a vapor chamberdisposed to collect the vapor formed from said liquid, separating meansdisposed within said wall means between said vapor chamber and said heatsource for separating at least a portion of said vapor from said liquid,said outlet conduit communicating with the interior of said wall meansat a position between said heat source and said vapor chamber, conduitmeans coupling said outlet conduit to a heat sink whereby the heatedliquid is transported to said heat sink, said inlet conduit beingcoupled to said annular space whereby liquid entering said vessel fromsaid inlet conduit flows through said annular space, additional conduitmeans coupling the outlet of said heat sink to said inlet conduit, anannular ring structure disposed in said annular space between said inletand said heat source and engaging the inner surface of said vessel andsaid wall means, said ring structure having a plurality of openingstherethrough, a dilfuser structure secured to said ring structureadjacent each of said openings respectively, a vapor nozzle disposed insaid annular space adjacent each of said diffuser structures, each ofsaid vapor nozzles being coupled directly to said vapor chamber, andpressure equalizing means serially connected between each of saiddifiuser structures.

13. In a closed recycling system containing a liquid therein, thecombination comprising a heat source and a heat sink located in saidsystem whereby said liquid is heated by said heat source and cooled bysaid heat sink, said heat source being formed to impart sufficient heatto said liquid to boil at least a portion thereof, said system includinga chamber communicating with said heat source for accommodating thevaporized portion of said liquid, separating means disposed between saidvapor chamber and said heat source for separating at least a portion ofsaid vapor from said liquid, a vapor jet pump located in said system forimparting motion to said liquid for circulating the latter throughoutsaid system, and conduit means coupling said chamber to the vapor nozzleof said vapor jet pump.

14. In a sealed recycling flow system including a vessel and having aliquid flowing through said system, the combination comprising inlet andoutlet means coupled to said vessel for transporting said liquid intoand out of said vessel; means for imparting heat to said liquid, whenlocated in said vessel, in a quantity sufficient to boil at least aportion of said liquid; a chamber coupled to said system for collectingat least a portion of the vapor formed by said heating; a heat sink,having inlet and outlet means coupled thereto and capable of removingheat from said liquid; first conduit means coupling the inlet means ofsaid heat sink to the outlet means of said vessel, second conduit meanscoupling the outlet means of said heat sink to the inlet means of saidvessel; a vapor jet pump located in said second conduit means to enhanceliquid flow therethrough; and means coupling the vapor nozzle of saidvapor jet pump to said chamber.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,749,654 Wyndham et al. Mar. 4, 1930 2,245,325 Browning June 10, 19412,289,953 Aldridge July 14, 1942 2,852,922 Neumann et al Sept. 23, 19582,907,644 Cunningham et al Oct. 6, 1959

1. IN A CLOSED RECYCLING PRESSURIZED SYSTEM, THE COMBINATION COMPRISINGA PRESSURE VESSEL HAVING AN INLET FLOW PATH MEANS AND AN OUTLET FLOWPATH MEANS, A LIQUID FLOWING THROUGH SAID PRESSURE VESSEL, HEAT EXCHANGEMEANS LOCATED IN SAID PRESSURE VESSEL BETWEEN SAID INLET AND SAID OUTLETFLOW PATH MEANS FOR HEATING INCOMING LIQUID AND CAUSING AT LEAST APORTION OF SAID LIQUID TO BOIL, SAID PRESSURE VESSEL INCLUDING A CHAMBERTHEREIN, COMMUNICATING WITH THE OUTLET SIDE OF SAID HEAT EXCHANGE MEANSFOR ACCOMMODATING THE VAPORIZED PORTION OF SAID LIQUID, A VAPOR JET PUMPLOCATED IN SAID INLET FLOW PATH MEANS FOR SAID PRESSURE VESSEL FORENHANCING THE FLOW OF LIQUID IN SAID INLET FLOW PATH MEANS TOWARD SAIDHEAT EXCHANGE MEANS, AND MEANS FOR COUPLING THE VAPOR NOZZLE OF SAIDVAPOR JET PUMP TO SAID CHAMBER FOR PROVIDING VAPOR TO SAID NOZZLE.